2014 BMW Z4 Roadster - Web Exclusive

A mild update to a modern classic

No, for 2014 we aren't seeing a full redesign, nor does the Z4 really need one. It's a fine automobile and fills its role with prowess and integrity.

The updated version will be available on showroom floors in time for Spring 2013.

This time around we see new exterior features, interior refinements, new Hyper Orange design package, as well as the availability of the full range of BMW ConnectedDrive features.

Design

The sweeping hood, long wheelbase, low beltline and low-slung rear end play a more vivid and uncompromising part in shaping its appearance, giving the Z4 more pronounced character. The low seating position just ahead of the rear axle gives the driver and passenger a true roadster driving experience, especially with the intensity of the longitudinal and lateral forces working on the rear wheels.

The hardtop roof closes in 19 seconds and can be retracted while the car is moving up to 25mph. The new Z4 is all about subtlety and class, with cues like black A-pillars keeping the silhouette of the car understated and low-slung.

The distinctive four round headlights team up with the broad BMW kidney grille to form a roadster-specific interpretation of the brand's signature face. The standard Xenon headlights of the new BMW Z4 have a slim design and extend well into the front wheel arches. The light sources now have a strikingly three-dimensional design which accentuates the intricate technology of the headlights. LED accent lights slice across the upper portion of the lights with metal inserts wearing BMW lettering.

New paint finishes, Hyper Orange Design package, a new alloy wheel and the M Sport package.

A total of 11 external paint finishes are available for the new BMW Z4, including the new Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic, which can only be ordered together with the Hyper Orange package.

This new package includes a handful of black and orange contrast. Seen on the Alcantara door panel trim, lower instrument panel and the Valencia Orange stitching accenting the black leather seats along with a strip running down the center. This new Design package replaces the previously available Citrus Yellow Package and is also available in combination with other exterior paint colors as an option.

New interior additions to standard specification include high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and the iDrive control system's folding Control Display, which comes as part of the optional navigation system. Fineline Anthracite wood has been added to the selection of interior trim strips available as an option for the new BMW Z4. The BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW Z4 sDrive35i and BMW Z4 sDrive35is are offered with Kansas leather trim. The range of light-alloy wheels includes a newly designed V-Spoke 18-inch wheels combined with staggered front and rear tire sizes.

The engaging character of the Roadster as a driver's tool is given particular emphasis by the optional M Sport package, which includes Adaptive M suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front wing and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic. Bringing an extra dose of sporting flair into the interior, meanwhile, are features such as sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, M driver's footrest, M door sill finishers and an anthracite-colored roof liner. The new BMW Z4 sDrive35is comes with a model-specific version of the M Sport package.

Engines: BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in three output levels

The BMW Z4 will continue to be available in the US with one four-cylinder and two inline-six powerplants. Their most significant shared feature is BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which ensures an exceptionally effective balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption throughout the range.

The BMW sDrive28i features BMW's award-winning TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It powers the BMW Roadster from 0 - 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with the 6-speed manual (5.6 with the 8-speed automatic) and returns EPA mileage estimates of 22 mpg city/ 34 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the manual and 24/33/26 for the 8-speed automatic). The BMW Z4 sDrive35i features BMW's N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It goes 0 - 60 mph in five seconds flat with the7-speed DCT (5.1 with the 6-speed manual) with EPA mileage estimates of 19 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the manual and 17/24/19 for the 7-speed DCT. The top-range Z4 sDrive35is features a higher-output version of BMW's venerable N54 producing 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and the 7-speed DCT. The top model goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds without a penalty to the EPA mileage estimates.

The new BMW Z4 delivers the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from the brand, fulfilling the desire for both sporting ability and comfort. Drivers can use the standard Driving Experience Control switch to select a configuration to suit the situation at hand and satisfy personal preferences. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can all be called up using the rocker switch on the center console. As well as adjusting the responses of the engine and DSC stability system, the different modes also alter the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers, if these items are specified. These modes allow the driver to choose from a selection of distinctive and clearly differentiated set-ups for the car.

Other items of equipment fitted as standard are Xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a heated glass rear window, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and runflat tires with a tire pressure monitor. The standard Z4 sound system includes CD player, AUX-IN socket and 11 loudspeakers. Customers can also choose the optional Premium Sound System with higher output and 14 loudspeakers. The optional navigation system enables high-resolution map graphics - complete with 3D view - on the 8.8-inch iDrive monitor. The navigation data for the system is stored on an in-car hard disk, which also provides 12 GB of capacity for personal music collections.

The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive has also expanded once again. The new BMW Z4 can be equipped with features such as High Beam Assistant and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. If the navigation system is specified, the ConnectedDrive Services options allow use of internet-based information and entertainment services inside the car. This system must be fitted to enable access to the BMW Online portal and apps using the Control Display and iDrive Controller. The Real Time Traffic Information function is also on hand, supplying the driver with congestion warnings and diversion recommendations in real time. Apple iPhone owners can use BMW apps, for example, to receive web radio stations, display Facebook and Twitter posts on the monitor and ask for them to be read out. BMW Apps also enhanced safe, convenient access to music streaming services like Pandora, MOG and Aupeo as well as Stitcher. The range of BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the new BMW Z4 also includes BMW TeleServices, BMW Remote Services, Concierge Services and enhanced Automatic Collision Notification with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection.